May 2011 - 295

DEEP WISDOM When Tennessee climbers found a new crag, developed it in secret, and then saw it shut down within a year, it seemed like the same old story replaying in the South. But this time the ending was different—and Southern climbing may never be the same.By Cody AverbeckPhotos by Andrew Kornylak

THE LOVE LETTER Overworked and borderline depressed, a climber and his favorite partner—his wife—plot a dream trip to the High Sierra. The result? You know that bumper sticker that says, “My best vacation is your worst nightmare?” Kind of like that. By Fitz Cahall Photos by Mikey Schaefer

RAPID TRANSIT From the Alps to the Himalaya, Swiss climber Ueli Steck is the fastest man in the mountains, but he doesn’t rely on his genetic gifts. Steck trains harder than most Olympians, and here he reveals his motivations and his methods.By Martin GutmannPhotos by Robert Bosch